The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 409: Chapter 409: Making the Decision

The very mention of that name irritated Consort Ru.

Her crimson lips pulled into a nearly imperceptible sneer. The scorn in her expression sharpened her already striking features, lending them a harsh, cutting edge.

”She’s nothing but an orphan. How could she possibly compare to you?”

Consort Ru truly looked down on Ye Chutang.

She would feign civility when others were present, but with no one else around, she couldn’t be bothered to keep up the pretense.

Xiao Lansi seemed to falter for a moment.

”But... doesn’t everyone say Second Miss Ye has superb medical skills and a flourishing business? That she’s quite a prominent figure? Though I haven’t been back in the capital long, I constantly hear her name. People always speak of Miss Ye with praise and admiration. Across the entire Capital City, I doubt there are many women who can compare to her.”

”She may have some talent, but so what?”

Consort Ru looked languid.

”Her father and older brother are dead, and she’s burdened with several younger siblings. That’s a serious liability. The only reason she has any standing in the Capital City is because the Eldest Princess deigns to give her face.”

It was common knowledge that the Eldest Princess held Ye Chutang in exceptionally high regard. With such a powerful patron, who wouldn’t show Ye Chutang some deference?

But what they truly thought was another matter entirely.

”She has no roots, no connections—a piece of driftwood. What prestigious family would willingly marry a woman like that?”

Xiao Lansi paused and lowered her voice slightly. ”...Come to think of it, her two younger brothers seem rather remarkable, don’t they?”

Consort Ru sneered.

”They’re just a pair of wet-behind-the-ears boys. What could they possibly accomplish?”

’Even if they managed to distinguish themselves through scholarly pursuits in the future, who knew how long that would take? By then, could Ye Chutang afford to wait?’

Besides, academic success didn’t guarantee a smooth ascent through the ranks.

’Their father passed the imperial examinations and had a smooth career, but didn’t he also end up dying a wrongful death?’

With her noble birth and deep-rooted family background, Consort Ru naturally wouldn’t give a second thought to such insignificant people from the lower rungs of society.

At these words, Xiao Lansi lowered her eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

Consort Ru inspected her own exquisitely painted nails, which had been done not long ago, a derisive smile playing on her red lips.

”She’s certainly famous in the Capital City. And now, wherever she goes, she gets a measure of respect thanks to her backing from the Long Princess Mansion. But have you noticed? Has a single family come forward with a marriage proposal?”

Silently, Xiao Lansi twisted the handkerchief in her hands.

There was some truth to what Consort Ru said.

’By now, who in the entire Capital City hasn’t heard of Ye Chutang’s name? Who doesn’t know that since her return, she’s been a magnet for controversy and endless trouble? Even those who might have been interested are likely hesitating now. She’s a beauty, to be sure, but one must have the good fortune to handle it! Most would probably choose to admire her from afar, keeping a wide berth.’

’But...’

A cool, aloof face flashed through Xiao Lansi’s mind.

’...what does *he* think?’

Consort Ru, however, failed to notice her daughter’s momentary shift in emotion. She recalled the time she had sounded out His Majesty at the hunting grounds and, after mulling it over for a good while, she said:

”Forget the Xie Family. They are not a suitable match. There are plenty of fine young men in the capital. As long as your father continues to dote on you, he’ll surely arrange an excellent marriage for you.”

In the past, Consort Ru would never have said such a thing. But after several years apart, Xiao Lansi had blossomed into a graceful and elegant young woman. She was also obedient and sensible, and it was obvious His Majesty was fonder of her than before.

If this continued, it would be best to choose a match that could be of use to Cheng Xuan.

Xiao Lansi’s lips twitched as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she merely gave a slight nod and a faint, obedient smile.

”Then I shall leave it in Mother’s hands.”